Rivers will be immediately eligible to play and compete for the starting job this fall. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.

In a statement, first-year Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason said Rivers fits into what the Commodores hope to do on offense this season.

"I'm happy for Stephen and looking forward to him joining our squad," Mason said. "Stephen brings both ability and experience to our team. He also fits the offensive system we will run under (offensive coordinator) Karl Dorrell. We're going to see great competition at the quarterback position this August."

The younger brother of NFL quarterback Philip Rivers, Stephen Rivers redshirted as a true freshman in 2011 before playing behind starter Zach Mettenberger during the past two seasons. Rivers was a successful high-school quarterback at Athens (Ala.) High, leading the school to two state playoff appearances during his junior and seniors seasons while throwing for 3,300 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Rivers posted a picture of Vanderbilt's logo Wednesday morning and expressed excitement about his new program.

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